Thriving as an Occasional Nanny: How to Handle Families Without Set Routines
When you work as an occasional nanny you help busy families juggle their responsibilities while finding more balance. This can be incredibly rewarding!
But, challenges can definitely come up along the way—especially when a family doesn’t have established routines for their little ones.
A lack of routine and structure can make it very difficult for you to manage your day as a nanny. And because we know many nannies out there struggle with this scenario, we want to share some tips that may help.
Here are 5 effective strategies to help you provide excellent care, even when there’s not set routine for the children:
1. Be Flexible
Flexibility is your greatest tool when working with families without set routines. Every family is different, and it’s your job as an occasional nanny to adapt to their unique lifestyle.
Keep an Open Mind: Don’t make assumptions. Some families might not have set routines because of their work schedules, differing parenting styles, or a preference for spontaneity.
Be Ready for Changes: Without a strict schedule, expect children’s mealtimes, nap times, or playtimes to vary. Be patient and adjust as needed.
2. Create Gentle Structure
You can’t impose a routine on the kids and family, but you can create gentle structure to help your day run more smoothly. You know children thrive on predictability, so use consistency and mini routines during your day.
Create Mini Routines: Establish a rhythm to your time together. For example, after lunch, suggest quiet play or a story to create calm before nap time.
Introduce Natural Transitions: Use specific activities to signal transitions, such as having a wind-down routine before bed or tidying up toys before starting something new.
Offer Choices: Instead of setting a rigid schedule, offer children choices like, “Would you like a snack before or after we go to the park?” This gives a sense of control while guiding the day.
3. Have Open Communication With Parents
Effective communication is essential when working with families, but especially when there is no set routine in place. Speak with the parents to understand their preferences, expectations and boundaries.
What Are Their Priorities? Find out which parts of the day are most important to the family. Do they want their children in bed by a certain time, or is free play the focus? Clarifying these priorities will help you provide the care they expect.
Give Feedback: Share your observations after the day ends. For example, you can mention what worked well and suggest gentle ideas to help create consistency without overstepping.
4. Be Confident and Calm
Working in a home without a routine can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when the kids get restless or struggle with transitions. That’s when remaining confident and calm is most important!
Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude can help reduce stress for you and the kids. Stay upbeat and use encouraging words, even when things don’t go as planned.
Use Creative Distractions: If a transition is difficult, offer an engaging alternative. For example, start an impromptu craft or game to shift focus.
Stay Organized: Even if the family doesn’t follow a strict routine, keep yourself organized by preparing a variety of activities in advance and having backup plans ready.
5. Adapt Adapt Adapt
Remember that every family is different. What works for one family may not work for another. So, keep an eye on each family’s dynamic and adjust your childcare approach accordingly.
Respect Their Preferences: Some families value flexibility, while others may appreciate more structure when you’re around. Tailor your childcare approach to meet their needs.
Be Open to Feedback: Sometimes, parents are open to trying something new after seeing how their children respond to their time together with you. Be open to discussing ways to improve!
Conclusion: Help Families Find What Works for Them
As an occasional nanny, you bring comfort, consistency, and support to families—whether they have set routines or not. By being flexible, offering gentle structure, and communicating clearly, you’ll succeed as an occasional nanny in even the most unpredictable situations.
If you live in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, or Ottawa and are looking for an experienced occasional nanny to help your family navigate busy days, Nannies on Call is here for you.
Learn more about booking an occasional nanny and how we can support your family’s needs today!